28 January 2021
Masters Introduction 2021
Dear fellow Loriners,
On Wednesday evening I had the enormous honour of being installed as Master for 2021. When I was enclothed in January 1998 I never dreamt that I would ever become Master. During my time serving on the Court, I have been encouraged and mentored by some wise and supportive Liverymen. I thank them, and I’m sure this will stand me in good stead for the coming year. Over the years I have participated in an enormous number of Loriner events - and such a variety too. From visits to charitable organisations, attending conferences and supporting our Company’s equine links with the military, to enjoying the excitement of polo matches and race meetings. As well, of course, as our Livery dinners and lunches. The key ingredient all these occasions share is the fellowship and camaraderie of Loriners themselves and that is particularly special to me.
We all know that 2020 has been unprecedented in the difficulties and challenges it has brought to nearly all of us in so many unexpected ways. Despite everything she has had to contend with, our new Immediate Past Master Sue has worked tirelessly to keep the Company vibrant and positive in these most unsettling and disorientating times. She has done an amazing job advancing really important projects, such as the Loriners’ participation in the Equine Fitters Council. I’d like to congratulate Sue for all her achievements during a successful year in such restricted circumstances.
Over the next twelve months, I hope we will consolidate last year’s achievements and continue to progress our plans for the Company. I’m so very lucky to be part of an excellent team with Upper Warden Chris Walton and Under Warden Colin Gurley. It is also a pleasure to welcome Jeremy Mayhew as the incoming Senior Assistant. And of course, we are all kept in order by our tireless and endlessly patient Clerk, Honor Page. Like most people these days the Master, Wardens and Clerk have become Zoom aficionados!
We all know that these times are bringing considerable hardship to many in the voluntary sector. As such it is all the more important that we look for ways to support the charities with which we enjoy close ties. We are fortunate to have an enthusiastic team of Stewards who provide vital links between the Company and these organisations. We will also continue to play our part in the community of the City in whatever way the changing circumstances allow.
Our hard-working committees responsible for finance, the Lorinery trade, communications and events will continue to meet remotely for the time-being and I thank them in advance for what I’m sure will be a successful year.
In the short-term of course, we are still hampered by lockdown, but hopefully the situation will improve and we can work towards our first major event, the Mansion House banquet on 22nd June. If we are able to make this happen, what a wonderful reunion of friends this will be.
Another event that I am excited to share with you is the Master’s weekend for the Livery to the Isle of Wight, 1st – 3rd October. Details will be sent out in due course, but we are planning a relaxed and fun trip and I do hope many of you will be able to join us.
In the meantime, we are working to arrange some informal and hopefully entertaining virtual events. We will also continue with our well-established and successful ‘Meet and Greet’ evenings.
Some exciting news, and a great start to the new year, is the updating and relaunch of the Loriners’ website. The Communications team, headed by Upper Warden Chris Walton, has worked wonders. Mark Skelton and Lauren Morton have spent a huge amount of time on this important project and I congratulate and thank them. I know you will find the website more modern, more intuitive to navigate and better suited to present times. It is our face to the world and an increasingly important first port of call for Liverymen to keep up to date with the latest Company news.
As we head into February, it is my sincere wish that we will receive our vaccinations as quickly as possible and that 2021 will become a year we can look forward to. Hopefully we will be able to meet and enjoy each other’s company again very soon.
Please keep safe and well.
My very best wishes to you all.
Mary-Jane Atkinson
Master